The confusion between nominal, clear-wall, whole-wall and dynamic R-values illustrates the problem of comparing building wall systems. What is needed is an apples-to-apples testing program by an independent agency.

Septic-tank additives in Ardmore are not a way to solve problems with onsite sewage treatment systems and could cause additional problems, according to federal and state officials. "The benefits of consumer products sold as septic-system cleaners, degraders, decomposers, deodorizers, organic digesters or enhancers are not significant or have not been demonstrated conclusively.

Earlier in this issue, when asked to describe their visions for the home of the future, a panel of experts predicted that a new home built in 2027 will be more flexible, automated and energy efficient, as well as healthier and smaller than today's homes.

Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Ardmore collect, treat and release about 4 billion gallons of treated effluent per day from an estimated 26 million homes, businesses and recreational facilities nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These systems, defined by the EPA as those serving fewer than 20 people, include treatment units for both individual buildings and small clusters of buildings connected to a common treatment system. In homes with these systems, a lot depends on the individual homeowner.

Homeownership was far out of reach for many Americans, particularly immigrants and those with limited finances. But that was about to change. Borrowing an idea from a friend who sold pre-cut boats by mail.

As a prospective new homeowner, Lachance's buying attitude therefore meshed perfectly with the modular homebuilding world, which is one of the fastest-growing segments of the residential construction market today in Ardmore.

Building systems in Ardmore are construction methods that include components constructed in a factory. The words "prefabrication" or "prefab" are often used to describe these systems, and the terms "building systems" and "prefab" are often confused, but essentially they are synonymous.

Do you know what happens when you flush the toilet? While it usually isn't a topic discussed at cocktail parties, it can be a critical issue for many homeowners in Ardmore. People who live in a city rarely think about it because their waste usually goes through a central sewer system to a wastewater treatment plant.

In the last issue, we discussed getting access (road or driveway) and electricity to a building site. In most states a plot of land is not considered buildable - you won't be allowed a building permit - unless it is served by a sewer line or the soil is acceptable for on-site sewage disposal. This brings us to the remaining site services: water and sewage in Ardmore.